The Little Coffee Shoppe | Coral Springs

There's a little quaint coffee shop I love in the heart of Coral Springs and you're going to fall in love with all their clever decor!!

The Little Coffee Shoppe, Coral Springs

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This is basically my favorite place to meet my dearest colleagues in the birth world and birth clients!

It is adorable, has delicious coffee, and amazing food you're not exactly expecting when the typical croissant is the more likely food choices at other coffee shops.

I loved my mid-November visit because I got to see some of my favorite people. Lisa Raynor, my favorite hospital doula (she's always at my favorite hospital in south Florida: Boca Raton Regional Hospital or working with Omega Women's Care at Northwest Medical Center in Margate) you'll either find her with a mom in labor or at a coffee shop with me and our darling Mercedes Stevens, South Florida Baby Nurse.

Dr. Kat Vigo, of painless-pregnancy.com, our wonderful friend in the obstetric field of physical therapy came by to cheer us up on a weekday, and even our friends Sasha Lansing (Certified Nurse) who is an amazing lactation consultant at Mom's Breast Friend and Laura Knecht, sleep trainer at Good Little Sleeperzzz joined. It was a full house of birth workers. Those mornings are THE BEST.

I can't tell you how much I enjoy being able to spend time with the people I love working with. It makes being a single-person-run company a little less lonely. And we are all about community over competition. We love supporting each other and empowering one another.

The best part about working with these phenomenal women as a birth photographer in South Florida is that I have such a wide variety of resources for moms-to-be. 

When I became a mom to my first born 5 years ago, I was in it on my own, I had no idea that there were women out there who could help me with my breastfeeding difficulties, the sleepless nights we endured through the first two years, and the pain I was dealing with through BOTH pregnancies and post partum recovery. These are the women in my tribe who I just cannot recommend enough! 

Plantation Birth Photography: Welcoming a Baby Boy Amidst Hurricane Irma

Even amidst the chaos of Hurricane Irma in 2017, the miracle of life prevailed. This heartwarming birth story unfolded in Plantation, Florida, reminding us of the resilience of families and the enduring power of love.

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A Serendipitous Connection: Last-Minute Birth Photography Booking

Just weeks before their baby boy's arrival, this lovely family reached out, expressing their admiration for my work and a desire to capture their birth story. Though my schedule was typically full, a fortunate opening allowed me to document their precious moments. I believe in the power of connection and intuition, and this encounter felt meant to be.

Navigating Uncertainty: A Birth Amidst a Hurricane

As Hurricane Irma approached South Florida, we wondered how it would impact the birth. Would baby arrive before, during, or after the storm? Thankfully, he chose his own perfect timing, arriving safely after the roads had cleared.

Plantation Birth Photographer: Documenting Your Journey with Artistry

This experience solidified my belief that every birth story is unique and deserves to be preserved. As a dedicated birth photographer serving Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, and Boca Raton, I'm passionate about capturing the raw emotions, intimate connections, and transformative power of childbirth.

Luxury Birth Photography: Serving South Florida & Beyond

I specialize in creating heirloom-quality images that tell the story of your family's newest addition. My approach is both professional and compassionate, ensuring a comfortable and empowering experience for all involved.

Welcoming 2025 Babies: Maternity, Fresh 48 & Newborn Photography

Are you expecting in 2025? From Orlando to Fort Lauderdale, I'm excited to document your journey into parenthood. My talented partner, Lena, is also available to capture the beauty of your pregnancy through maternity sessions and the precious early days with your newborn through Fresh 48 or in-home lifestyle sessions.

Contact Me Today: Book Your Dream Photography Experience

My calendar is filling up quickly! If you're seeking a luxury birth, maternity, or newborn photography experience, reach out today to schedule your consultation.

Postpartum Concerns | Why Can't I Do a Situp? And what about Incontinence?

Dr. Kat Vigo assessing my pelvic alignment (photo by my daughter Kate)

Dr. Kat Vigo assessing my pelvic alignment (photo by my daughter Kate)

After I had my first daughter, I was maybe 6 months post partum when I finally worked up the nerve and determination to start exercising.

She was born via cesarean section and my incision caused me a great deal of pain for several long weeks. Even after it healed, there was a part of me that kept worrying that the pain may come back if I exerted myself too much.

I was grateful to have only a newborn back then. Working in the birth world as a birth photographer here in south Florida, I really feel for my clients who have to have a repeat cesarean, (a c-section with the second birth), and have a toddler at home who is experiencing all kinds of vulnerability at not being the only baby in the house, but mom cannot pick him up because... how many weeks do you wait to pick up your toddler after a csection? Doctors say... usually nothing over 8lbs for the first 6 weeks.

But Kat Vigo, Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in Obstetrics in south Florida says, "the truth is they need to progressively gain their core strength in order to tolerate heavier weight. So the answer isn't solely based on time that has passed since the surgery, but more so about what level of stability has been recovered."

As soon as I felt that first pain at attempting to do a sit up, I instantly gave up. It scared me! I thought, what if I rip something open? I was a first time mom. I had no idea what is normal and to be expected. I wasn't aware that below the surface of my skin, my abdominal muscle wall had separated to make room for my growing belly, and that the muscle did not return to its antepartum state, causing a condition called Diastasis Recti. Due to lack of resources and education, my fear of the unknown caused me to completely stop exercising.

Fast forward three years, when I had my second daughter via repeat cesarean section (this time ensuring I would have a gentle cesarean - more on that here).

Several months post partum I started exercising. To my surprise, I experienced no discomfort or pain, and was able to enjoy the challenge of cardio fitness. But several months into my new fitness regimine, I had a paralyzing realization. I wasn't sure if I was testing my abdominal wall properly for Diastasis Recti. I did the online recommended self diagnosis test and felt I could fit a 3 finger gap in between my abdominal wall. Fear set in and I stopped exercising. Again.

Until I met Dr. Kat. 

Dr. Vigo (left) and I (right) after our second post partum treatment plan visit (photo by my daughter Kate)

Dr. Vigo (left) and I (right) after our second post partum treatment plan visit (photo by my daughter Kate)

I met Dr. Kat Vigo through my favorite south Florida doula, Lisa Raynor. Every time I'd meet Dr. Kat over the last few months, we would talk about how women should not suffer in silence from sciatica pain or round ligament pain or incontinence during pregnancy as well as after. She would explain how these conditions are treatable with the correct prenatal and post partum physical therapy support from a licensed professional like Dr. Kat.

I really started to believe in the work she does with her prenatal and post partum patients, the more she spoke about it. 

So finally, Tuesday of this past week I had Dr. Kat come out to my home for a home visit for the first time!

I don't know what I was expecting, I really thought its this super uncomplicated quick easy peasy diagnosis and treatment plan thing, an in and out 5 minute visit. But Dr. Kat sat down with me and asked me to tell her about my pregnancies with both of the girls, she asked how I felt the pregnancies impacted my body, how I feel now and where are my areas of concern. I explained to her how I had polyhydramnios with both pregnancies (which is too much amniotic fluid during pregnancy) which complicated things a lot because my abdominal wall separated even more than usual. I told her how I felt after both pregnancies, the complication with not being able to exercise after having my first daughter, and then feeling my abdominal wall separated after having my second one. 

Dr. Kat then proceeded to check my pelvic health by seeing how I stand, what happens when I stand on one foot, tilt a certain direction, bend over, bend back, feeling the vertebra in my spine as she moved along, and all the while I was thinking to myself, wow, I had no idea that all of this goes into my post partum health! I was pleasantly surprised by how thorough her assessment was and how nothing was overlooked.

It was only after Dr. Kat did a thorough assessment of my post partum body alignment that she began to assess my abdominal wall for muscular separation.

To my surprise, her assessment told us that my abdominal wall was not separated!

I was so surprised and relieved!

I felt like I should have never tried to self diagnose, I had no reason to discontinue exercising. No physical pain or discomfort. I was ready to go!

During our evaluation and assessment, Kat did discover that I have weakened gluteal, hip and abdominal muscles. So I couldn't wait for her to return today and work with me to plan a thorough treatment plan to strength these muscles and get my body back on track for my personal health and fitness goals. 

Dr. Kat Vigo brought a resistance band, post partum 3 Panel Abdominal Rehab Splint, and balance ring to our second home visit

Dr. Kat Vigo brought a resistance band, post partum 3 Panel Abdominal Rehab Splint, and balance ring to our second home visit

Upon returning to my home for my subsequent visit, Dr. Kat re-evaluated my pelvic and core alignment to ensure that nothing had changed over this past week. Then she proceeded to walked me through my personalized treatment plan.

While she was teaching me the very first core abdominal routine, I realized how challenging it was because of my weakened abdominal muscles. This was actually a good thing. In this moment I thought about all the youtube videos I had found over the past year that I felt were very engaging - and realized that they actually were not.

It wasn't until Dr. Kat assessed my body's specific weaknesses and started to show me specific routines that honed in on my body's needs that I realized, every woman needs a personalized post partum evaluation. 

With my own exercise routines I would have been focusing on the wrong core goals for my body.

During one of the routines, I started feeling some pressure in my neck that ran up through my upper jawline and into my forehead. And for a moment I thought, this isn't all too pleasant. So I told Dr. Kat about the pressure I was feeling, and she immediately indicated that this was not suppose to be the case. We paused the routine and she helped me recompose my body to focus where I should be putting the center of my muscular strength to correct the routine.

After the routine I told her how I'm so glad that she did that because I would have been doing it incorrectly and been uncomfortable and she replied, "it was key that you communicated with me through the entire treatment plan that way we were able to make the adjustments necessary for you."

With my poor short term memory, I really worried I wouldn't remember all the exercises in my treatment plan, but Dr. Kat reassured me she would be sending me a guide with all the exercises to help me through everyday's routine. Sure enough, this evening I got an email inviting me to view my treatment plan which included extensive diagrams and photos, as well as instructions walking me through every routine we went through in person this afternoon together. Way more than I was anticipating - and even an option to print. I feel so prepared and confident to do this on my own now!

After such a thorough and personalized experience myself, I highly recommend getting in touch with Dr. Kat Vigo if you are in the south Florida area, especially if you are pregnant or in the post partum stage and you are experiencing any discomfort or complications. Below, you can watch one of Dr. Kat's videos to learn more about how she works with women.

Hi moms and dads! My name is Kat Vigo and I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in the pregnant and postpartum woman. I started this company, Painless Pregnancy, to reach women everywhere and educate them about the safe, conservative, and EFFECTIVE treatments for pain and dysfunction during and after pregnancy.

To contact Dr. Kat Vigo please visit her website: www.painless-pregnancy.com

The Best moments in Mom Life

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Today I had the best morning which slowly turned into afternoon without my awareness with my dearest friend Lena. We met up just after dropping my kids off at preschool in Coral Springs, at Trend Tea in Boca Raton. 

Walking into the Wyndham Hotel in Boca, I was swept off my feet because what is the most exciting thing for a photographer than natural light and huge, grandious windows?! 

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I mean come on Wyndham Boca Raton! This is so gorgeous! I may need a staycation here!

As Lena was setting up the tripod to capture the two of us sipping on delicious Cafe Lattes, my eyes were dancing with ideas of how sweepingly lovely it would be to comfortably relax in a corner sofa with a birth client and chat about her birth plan and meeting her little baby.

My favorite part about being a birth photographer in south Florida, and especially Boca Raton, is that life moves at a slow pace most days, and gets exciting and spontaneous when a birth client is in early labor.

So there is time for sipping tea, telling jokes and planning the next 5 to 10 years of our mom lives in south Florida. 

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Lifestyle Photo Sessions | Preserve your memories forever

Meet my partner Lena. She is my best friend. Her family is from Germany and she is so sweet, that girl next door vibe :)

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Lena is the mother & woman who inspires me to take better care of myself. When you work in the birth world (the birth industry) you tend to do so with an overflowing heart. Wanting to give all your love and time to everyone around you, and often forget self care.

Watching Lena be so adamant about putting her family and little ones first, having that clear mind and determination of what her goals, love for her art and life priorities are, helps to inspire me everyday. First it started with me taking the time to really dress myself to feel happy and good about myself when I look in the mirror. It is amazing how putting on a flattering outfit can lift you up, in terms of making you feel good about yourself! Then she inspired me to cook more for my family. It's little things like this that really make a difference in my everyday life. The details. Lena is all about details and she puts so much love and care into everything she does. 

Lena is an amazing lifestyle photographer. She has a fiery passion for eternalizing every little moment before our kids get too big. 

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When you treasure the newborn moments that fleet so quickly when your little one doubles their birth weight in just a few short weeks, then slowly starts to smile everyday and then next thing you know, your newborn baby is an infant who is sitting unassisted, and you are just yearning to hold onto them while they are still tiny, and to remember the entire first year with your little miracle. 

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How to Hire the right OBGYN for your birth

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When I was pregnant with my second child, I realized I wanted a different experience from my first birth.
I wanted to be educated about my pregnancy and the stages of labor,  to be informed and confident in my preferences for my birth.

I never felt like I had good communication with the OB I hired for my first birth.

When you have great communication with your doctor/midwife and trust them, it is easier to trust their recommendations during your labor, especially should your birth take an unforeseen turn.

But if you did not establish a good foundation for communication with your provider during your pregnancy or don't feel supported in the way you need, it may be difficult for you to trust your provider during birth.

Based on what is important to you and what your birth preferences are, it is vital to ask your provider some of the recommended questions below during your pregnancy, to make sure you are with the right provider who you will trust during birth:

 

 

26 QUESTIONS TO ASK AN OBGYN OR HOSPITAL MIDWIFE BEFORE YOU HAVE YOUR BABY:

Question #1

The most important question is going to be the Question to Yourself.

No matter how recommend a medical provider is, they won't be the right provider for you unless they meet your personal criteria.

How does your provider make you feel?

Do you feel supported, respected, do they listen and answer your questions patiently?

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Question #2

Are you open to birth plans?

Question #3

What hospitals do you have privileges at?

Question #3

How many vaginal checks do you do during pregnancy and during labor? Should I get them, how necessary are they, what are the benefits/downsides and when do I need to have them done?

Question #4

Under what circumstances during pregnancy would you recommend an induction? How can an induction affect the outcome of my birth (vaginal / cesarean). What type of inductions do you do?

Question #5

What is your opinion of doulas? What percentage of your patients use a doula? What doulas do you recommend?

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Question #6

Under what circumstances during labor would you recommend to administer medications such as cervidil or pitocin?

Question #7

How do you handle past due dates? (Over 40 weeks, over 41 weeks)

Question #8

What is your percentage of your patients get an epidural, What percentage have vaginal births? / percentage of c-sections?

Under what circumstances during pregnancy would you recommend a scheduled cesarean?

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Question #9

How many people are in the practice?

Who is your back up Midwife or OB?

Who is the OB covering doctor? How is he/she during labor? When can I meet them?

Question #10

What are your feelings about delayed cord clamping? How long do you delay for? Can you do cord blood banking AND delayed cord clamping?

Question #11

What are your feelings on the dad catching the baby, or me catching my own baby? Will you deliver the baby? Or will you assist me in birthing him/her/them?

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Question #12

Are you planning any vacations, trips, major surgeries, or other events 3-4 weeks before my due date, or up to 2 weeks after my due date that would interfere with your attendance at the birth?

Question #13

How do you feel about hypnobirthing? Are you experienced with delivering babies for moms who are using hypnobirthing?

Question #14

What positions do you feel comfortable delivering in? (on back, squatting (using a squat bar), on all fours (knees and elbows)?

Question #15

How does it work if I am GBS positive - how often do you administer antibiotics during labor and do you do specific procedures with the baby after birth

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Question #16

Do you do IV/Heplock? Are you ok with laboring tubs, (or hydrotherapy by standing in the hospital shower), eating small snacks during labor?

Question #17

What are the pros and cons of vitamin K shot and eye ointment

Question #18

Do you offer or suggest taking specific childbirth preparation courses?

Question #19

During labor, how close together should my contractions be before I head to the hospital?

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Question #20

If my water breaks before labor (contractions) even begins, how long can I labor at home for before I am required to go to the hospital?

Question #21

What happens in the event of pre-term labor before 38 weeks?

Question #22

Under what circumstances, if any, do you perform episiotomies? Do you recommend doing perineum massages throughout pregnancy leading up to birth?

Question #23

How long will you and/or your support team stay with mom and baby after the birth?

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Question #24

Is breastfeeding support offered?

Question #25

Is your practice VBAC friendly?

Question #26

Do you deliver breech? [Most babies will move into delivery position a few weeks prior to birth, with the head moving closer to the birth canal. When this fails to happen, the baby's buttocks and/or feet will be positioned to be delivered first. This is referred to as “breech presentation.”]

Do you recommend trying to turn the baby if the baby is in breech position during labor or in the last few weeks of pregnancy or do you recommend a cesarean birth?

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Follow this link to read 20 Questions to Ask a Doula

Capturing Sibling Love: A Big Sister's First Meeting with Newborn Baby Ainhoa in South Florida

As a seasoned birth photographer and videographer in Boca Raton, Florida, I'm privileged to witness countless heartwarming moments. However, few compare to the tender beauty of siblings meeting their newborn brother or sister for the first time.

The Magic of First Encounters: A Big Sister's Love

The bond between a mother and her newborn is undeniable. But witnessing a mother's pride as her older children embrace their new sibling is equally magical. It's a transformation, a shift in roles, and a blossoming of love that touches the soul.

In this beautiful birth story, big sisters eagerly greet baby Ainhoa, their love and excitement radiating through every gentle touch and curious gaze. These precious moments remind us of the power of family and the innate nurturing instincts within us all.

Boca Raton Birth Photography: Preserving Your Family's Story

Based in Boca Raton, I specialize in capturing the raw emotions and genuine connections that unfold during childbirth and the early days of parenthood. Whether it's a hospital birth, a home birth, or a joyful sibling reunion, I'm dedicated to creating timeless images that you'll treasure forever.

Serving South Florida and Beyond: Your Premier Birth Storyteller

I'm proud to be one of the most sought-after birth photographers in the United States, serving families throughout South Florida, including Palm Beach and Broward Counties. My commitment to excellence and personalized service has also led me to document births across the country and even internationally.

Book Your Birth Story Today: Limited Availability!

If you're expecting and desire a beautiful and authentic record of your birth experience, don't hesitate to reach out. I take on a limited number of birth clients each month to ensure personalized attention and exceptional service.

Enchanting Maternity Photoshoot at Bethesda by the Sea: A European Oasis in Palm Beach

Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Bethesda by the Sea, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Palm Beach, Florida. This historic Episcopal church, with its sprawling gardens and charming architecture, evokes a sense of European elegance that's truly unique in South Florida.

Luxury Maternity Photography: A Haven for Expectant Parents

As a luxury maternity photographer based in Boca Raton, I'm always seeking extraordinary locations to capture the radiant glow of expectant mothers. Bethesda by the Sea offers a tranquil escape from the typical beach backdrop, creating an ambiance of serenity and timeless beauty.

A Rustic Maternity Session: Celebrating a First-Time Pregnancy

This delightful couple, eagerly awaiting their first child, a baby boy, desired a maternity photoshoot that felt both magical and rustic. Having flown in from the Bahamas, they sought a departure from the familiar coastal scenery. The lush greenery and historic charm of Bethesda by the Sea provided the perfect setting to document their love and anticipation.

Award-Winning Photography: South Florida's Premier Birth & Maternity Photographer

Recently voted Palm Beach County's best photographer, I specialize in capturing life's most precious moments, from the miracle of birth to the tender beauty of motherhood. My passion lies in creating timeless images that families will treasure for generations.

Serving Global Clientele: Destination Maternity & Birth Photography

While based in South Florida, my services extend far beyond. I've had the privilege of documenting births and maternity sessions across the globe, from Iceland and Scotland to Switzerland and beyond. I'm available for travel and destination shoots, ensuring your special moments are captured wherever your journey takes you.

Contact Me Today: Book Your Dream Maternity Session

Are you expecting and seeking a luxury maternity photography experience? Let's create something extraordinary together. Contact me today to learn more about my services and secure your session.

The Invisible Breastfeeding Community, Mama You are Not Alone

Breastfeeding moms you’ll want to read this one.

When it comes to being mothers of young children, we need to stand in solidarity and offer our support, and put our own personal agendas and prejudices aside and offer non-judgemental support.

Each of us makes decisions daily that someone else may not agree with. But we are being good mothers who sacrifice, love endlessly, and fight for our baby cubs.

**Disclaimer: Please read this blog post and reply with kindness. Hurtful comments will be banned. This mother (and other moms who I know in my community as well as nationwide) have received more than enough judgement and negativity and do not need to receive anymore through my art work. This image is being shared FOR those mothers, who feel alone, who feel like they should have to hide, for those who have no one to stand up on their behalf and say "yes, you are a great mother, and this bond you have is beautiful, selfless, kind, proper and sacred” so I will stand up for them.

Below you can read the mom's thoughts on extended Breastfeeding and how she feels about publicly talking about it, it was her side of the conversation as we discussed whether or not to share this image online. The following written message was shared onto this blog with the approval from the mom who wrote it:

 

“I am conflicted. On one hand, I don't want to share a picture in a way that my family would see it. They thought breastfeeding beyond a year was self-indulgent, even bordering on obscene. Some of my family unfollowed me on FB when I posted sweet nursing pictures during breastfeeding week when my daughter was 2. I do not want to deal with their criticism again. There are some fights you just can't win.

On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with a 5 or 6 year old who still wants to nurse. Many 5 and 6 year olds nurse, but no one talks about it. And no one will talk about it if no one starts talking about it. BUT, I don't know if I want that conversation to start with me.

After about age 3 or 4, nursing is not demanding like it is with an infant or a toddler. It's not as much about nutrition, as it is about soothing comfort, intimacy with your little one, and habit. By the time your child reaches age 3 or 4, it's very different. You don't need as much outside physical and emotional support. Your child can understand waiting to nurse if you want to be discreet. Nursing my daughter has been easy these last couple years.

I guess if you have a way to share a picture that won't show up on my FB wall, then go for it. I'm sure there are mothers who will benefit. I'm sure there are mothers whose children would like to continue nursing but are cut short because the mother thinks she is supposed to wean by a certain age. I admit I thought it was weird too, until I saw a couple of my La Leche League co-leaders allowing their children to self-wean. Seeing them opened up my eyes, for sure. Children WILL wean on their own. Many awesome kids (like mine) still nurse and you'd never guess it. In the end, it's nobody's business - it's between the mother and her child. Each woman should have the freedom and the courage to follow her own breastfeeding path.

I don't know if I've shared any words of wisdom... What I have learned is that mothering is the hardest job: it takes great courage for a mother to stand up for her beliefs and stand up for what feels right for her and her child. But every time she does it, she works her mothering muscles and she gets stronger. And in the end she becomes a warrior."

-Christine, nursing her daughter (age 6)

The Real Mothers You Know Who are Suffering from Post Partum Depression

A few weeks ago, Michelle Brown of ihelpmoms.com and I banded together to pull together a project that hits very close to home.

Michelle graciously offered her studio space in her home and I interviewed several real mothers in our local community here in south Florida about their experiences with post partum depression.

These courageous women share their stories below in an effort to help raise awareness that post partum depression (and general depression) can truly affect any woman. 

They share their personal experiences, their struggles, how PPD has affected their relationships and an insight into what they really need and how mothers suffering from post partum depression can get help. 

Caroline lives in south Florida with her husband and two girls under the age of three. She is a private chef, essential oils distributor and full time stay at home mom.

THE STRUGGLE

Caroline feels that the struggle of keeping it together and being the mom that she thinks she’s suppose to be affects her relationship with her first born. She feels a disconnect with her, feeling more bonded with the baby. She sees so much chaos at home, and easily gets frustrated when her first born doesn’t listen, doesn’t eat well, and she is frustrated that moms who have sleep trained kids can easily put them down, while she struggles with bedtime. The feeling of anxiety of being alone with both of her children is overwhelming to her. There are days that she feels down and she looks at her children and is inspired. But she feels miserable that she cannot manage her at times out of control emotions and feels terrible that she has cried in front of her children because she doesn’t want them to see her that way. So she tries to control her emotions and stay in neutral and takes deep breaths to prevent her emotions from going out of control in front of them.

MARRIAGE

She feels that her lack of confidence in her mothering frustrates her husband, in that he cannot help her confidence and positivity go back to how she was before having children. She feels it has cause their relationship to suffer. It is frustrating to her when her husband isn’t able to relate to what she is going through. She wants to tell her husband that she needs more softness and understanding for her shortcomings in her own confidence, calmness and positivity.

WHAT CAN HELP IS INSIGHT

She felt what her best friend told her was accurate, insightful and helpful advice to her: To give herself a break. Although she feels that sleep training is a sensitive topic, that she has to sleep train her children because she has to get her life back. She recognizes that she is sleep deprived and suffering. She felt it was truthful telling when her older daughter’s teacher said can see that she and her husband feel out of control and feel like they lost control because their older daughter has all of it, and she finds that to be especially true as they have allowed their older daughter to affect their dedication to their own marriage with date nights. She knows that at the end of the day she is doing a good job and is a good mother and that her children are lucky and loved but she acknowledges that she puts this pressure on herself that she is never doing enough, especially when she sees everyone else being that ideal parent based off of happy facebook pictures and she wants to be that parent to her own children.